When to photograph M 16 (Eagle Nebula)
M 16, the Eagle Nebula, is a nebula in Serpens, 70′ x 50′ across at magnitude 6. Also listed as NGC 6611.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are June and July, with up to 1.7 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in June. It reaches 31° at its highest.
From 35° S the best months are May to July, with up to 8.3 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in June. It reaches 69° at its highest.
Framing
Its long axis is 70′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 270 to 610 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 410 to 940 mm.
Filters and the moon
Reflection and dark nebulae are broadband targets. They need dark, moon-free nights and plenty of integration time. The dark sky calendar shows which nights this month are moon-free where you are.
Plan it for tonight
Dates and times depend on your exact location. The imaging planner shows M 16's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- M 17 Omega Nebula 2.4° away
- M 18 3.3° away
- M 24 Sagittarius Star Cloud 4.7° away
- M 25 6.2° away
- M 23 7.3° away
- M 26 7.9° away
Gear that suits M 16
M 16 is 70′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop.
- Askar FRA400 400 mm f/5.6: fills 52% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 80ED 400 mm f/5: fills 52% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Celestron RASA 8 400 mm f/2: fills 52% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details